Used Lotus Elise Open 1999 - 2010 review

People who buy sports cars are usually prepared for some reliability issues, and Elise owners should be no different. The suspension can wear very quickly if the car has been driven hard, and let's face it, it probably has. The clip-on roof can leak, too.

Immobilisers have experienced troubles in the past, so check the service history for signs of electrical glitches. Radiator hoses have a habit of leaking, so check them thoroughly and keep an eye on the car's temperature gauge.

Most worrying, though, is that head gaskets can blow, so check under the engine cover thoroughly to make sure you're aren't buying a car that's on the way out. Look for oil in the coolant and check under the oil filler cap for water or a white residue, both sure signs of trouble.